The Chicago Bears' defensive line has seen plenty of additions this offseason. General manager Ryan Poles addressed the interior by adding Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch, and while their presence will be appreciated, the Bears' lack of pass-rushing additions is noticeable.
The Bears finished the 2025 season tied for the seventh-fewest sacks (35), making the lack of movement a concern among fans. Although the 2026 NFL draft could provide multiple solutions to Chicago's need, so could a veteran disruptor who just hit free agency... again.
27-year-old defensive end A.J. Epenesa, who had reportedly signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Cleveland Browns earlier in free agency, is now back on the market, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. It was reported that the Browns aren't "comfortable finalizing the deal after his physical," leading to an early split.
Although we don't know the details of Epenesa's physical, this puts an intriguing defender back on the market, making him someone that Poles should monitor.
AJ Epenesa Should Be in Bears' Crosshairs After Failed Browns Deal
Epenesa was dealing with a foot injury and a neck issue last season with the Buffalo Bills, but he only missed one game. In fact, he has missed a total of three games in the last three seasons.
After three straight seasons of six-plus sacks, the 27-year-old defender finished last season with 2.5 sacks, nine QB hits, and two tackles for loss. He played in two playoff games for the sixth consecutive season of his career, making him one of the more experienced defenders out there.
Pro Football Focus also credits Epenesa with 28 pressures, the third-best performance of his career. The former Iowa Hawkeye generated pressure on 11.2% of his pass-rushing opportunities, which more than doubled his 2024 rate (22 on 401, 5.5%). So, even if his sack total wasn't astronomical, Epenesa proved that he can still make an impact.
The Bears would obviously have to be careful when targeting Epenesa. Whatever reason the Browns had for rescinding their offer has to be evaluated by the Bears. Still, failing a physical with one team doesn't necessarily mean that Epenesa can't be impactful in another. What could be a major concern for Cleveland might only be minor for Chicago.
At this point, the Bears need both quality and quantity in their pass rush rotation. They have high expectations of Austin Booker next season, and they hope Dayo Odeyingbo will have a better campaign in his second year in Chicago. Montez Sweat remains the top option, but the Bears don't have a ton of depth. They will almost certainly address the position in the draft, but it can't hurt to bring a competent veteran who has been productive for a playoff team for the last six years.
That's why the Bears must take advantage of the Browns' contract retraction, as signing Epenesa would help transform the pass rush from a headache into a strength.